Connection Points are computer labs that provide information on how to search for jobs, submit for benefits, and obtain other career services offered through the SC Works program.
Columbia, SC, March 28, 2024, The Benedict College Best Lives Center (BLC) has partnered with SC Works as a Connection Point within the city of Columbia. Benedict College is the first college in South Carolina to be named a SC Works Connection Point. As a designated Connection Point, community members can come to the BLC to search for jobs, seek new opportunities that will lead to career advancement, and file for unemployment insurance through the Department of Employment and Workforce.
“We are thankful to SC Works for giving Benedict College this excellent opportunity to provide services to our students and community members,” said, Dr Vanessa Harris, Executive Director, Best Lives Center. “The partnership aligns perfectly with the BLC’s mission. We are thrilled to be in a position to share educational opportunities and workshops through the BLC to enhance job seekers’ skill sets as they look for employment.”
On February 28, 2024, Executive Director William Floyd and his team toured Benedict College BLC to observe the computer lab and learn more about how Benedict’s Connection Point was organized. The College is now featured on the SC Works website (https://scworks.org/about-us/statewide-centers/midlands) as a Connection Point.
“Benedict College stands out as the first Connection Point four-year college in South Carolina,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. “An onsite computer lab, the Connection Point at Benedict College supplies dedicated computers for students and the local community to access career services and apply for jobs through SC Works. Our congratulations and appreciation to Benedict College for leading the way and participating in this job connection program.”
Pictured above: Executive Director of the BEST LIVES CENTER, Dr. Vanessa Harris reviews computer set-up with William Floyd, Executive Director, SC Department of Employment and Workforce, SC Department of Employment and Workforce.
The Benedict College Connection Point at the BLC is conveniently located within walking distance from the Two Notch Road bus stop and will provide free public access to computers, claims assistance, training, and educational resources. The BLC is a trusted resource and service and is designed to achieve economic stability in its surrounding community.
Featured Photo (L-R): Zach Nickerson, SC Director of Workforce Services, SC DEW; Diana Goldwire, SC Assistant Executive Director for Employment Services, SC DEW DEW; Tammy Bergen, Midlands Workforce Board Director, SC DEW; Rosalyn Tucker, Director of the Office of Extended Learning Center, BLC; Myron Davis, Director of the Veteran Resource Center, BLC; William Floyd, Executive Director, SC Department of Employment and Workforce, SC DEW; Dr. Janeen Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Benedict College; Yvette Stribling, Business Consultant for the Midlands Region, SC DEW; Essie Seller, Director of Retention, BLC; Dr. Vanessa Harris, Executive Director, BLC; and Fabian Zalewa, Regional Manager for the Midlands Region, SC DEW.
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About Benedict College (www.benedict.edu)
Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 26 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from all 46 counties in South Carolina, 30 states across America, and 26 countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College received the 2019 ACE/ Fidelity Investments Awards for Institutional Transformation and was named the HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest. Benedict College was listed among the top half of ranked HBCUs in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges by US News and World Report.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.
